Your Money, Your Wealth
A personal finance podcast that makes retirement planning, investing, and tax reduction entertaining. Hosts Joe Anderson, CFP® and CPA Big Al Clopine answer listener questions about 401(k)s, IRAs, Roth conversions, Social Security, taxes, real estate, and other wealth-building strategies. The show is produced by Pure Financial Advisors, a fee-only fiduciary financial planning firm. It has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top personal finance and retirement podcast.
Episodes
Is a $400K Roth Conversion at Peak Income a Mistake? - 603
Schedule a Free Financial Assessment with an experienced professional:https://bit.ly/YMYWassessCGeorge and Louise in Queens bring in $600,000 a year. Should they keep working just to do Roth conversions? Cher and Sonny in Oregon wonder if they can retire in a couple years at 59 and 60, and whether the mega backdoor Roth belongs in their plans. Joe Anderson, CFP® and Big Al Clopine, CPA spitball re
Should You Do Roth Conversions in a Down Market? - 602
Schedule a Free Financial Assessment with an experienced professional:https://bit.ly/YMYWassessCJoe Anderson, CFP® and Big Al Clopine, CPA are spitballing on whether Roth conversions actually pay off as part of your retirement tax strategies, today on Your Money, Your Wealth® podcast number 602. “Ozzie and Harriet” in Lafayette, Louisiana are 67, and Ozzie's spreadsheet says converting from their
Can You Retire Early? With $475K at 42, You Need a Gap Plan - 601
Schedule a Free Financial Assessment with an experienced professional:https://bit.ly/YMYWassessCHow do you know if you're really on track to retire, especially if you're hoping to get out early? Fred and Wilma in Denver are 33 and 31, earning a small fortune, but sitting on nearly two million dollars in debt. Should they focus on paying it down faster or saving more? Jeremy, in Summerville, South
Retirement Withdrawal Strategy: Is $100K a Year at 63 Wrong? - 600
Schedule a Free Financial Assessment with an experienced professional:https://bit.ly/YMYWassessC63-year-old Kevin in Denver is pulling $100K a year out of his portfolio. What’s the tax-smart way for him to structure these retirement withdrawals? Tim in Pennsylvania was forced into early retirement, and his wife Jill may be facing a layoff. They have over $2.5M saved, but what about health insuranc
Retirement vs. House Down Payment: Are You Getting the Timing Wrong? - 599
Schedule a Free Financial Assessment with an experienced professional:https://bit.ly/YMYWassessCHow do you buy a house as a young person, without wrecking your long-term retirement plan? That’s today on Your Money, Your Wealth® podcast 599, as Joe Anderson, CFP® and Big Al Clopine, CPA spitball for 35-year-old Gord in New York City. He's got $300,000 saved, and a home purchase is coming soon thank
Can You Retire with $1M at 42? The Early Retirement Lie - 598
Schedule a Free Financial Assessment with an experienced professional:https://bit.ly/YMYWassessCToday on Your Money, Your Wealth® podcast 598, Joe Anderson, CFP® and Big Al Clopine, CPA spitball early retirement planning for Shua in Phoenix, who has a million dollars saved at age 42. Can he stop saving right now, coast until age 55, and still spend $170,000 a year in retirement? But first, Michael
We Have $12 Million. Should We Do Roth Conversions? - 597
Schedule a Free Financial Assessment with an experienced professional:https://bit.ly/YMYWassessCJoe Anderson, CFP® and Big Al Clopine, CPA are spitballing Roth conversions from every angle today on Your Money, Your Wealth® podcast number 597. John in Oklahoma is 75, sitting on a million dollars in traditional IRAs, and he's got a whole list of reasons NOT to convert to Roth. Is he right? Is it wor
4 Retirement Questions That Expose Real Money Risks - 596
Schedule a Free Financial Assessment with an experienced professional:https://bit.ly/YMYWassessCEach of the questions Joe Anderson, CFP® and Big Al Clopine, CPA are spitballing today on Your Money, Your Wealth® podcast 596 has a real retirement risk attached to it. Philip and Elizabeth in DC have $7M. Philip's dying to quit a job he hates, but he's loading up on bonds to protect the nest egg. At 5
When to Claim Social Security and Why Full Roth Conversion Might be a Mistake - 595
Schedule a Free Financial Assessment with an experienced professional:https://bit.ly/YMYWassessCToday on Your Money, Your Wealth® podcast number 595, Joe Anderson, CFP® and Big Al Clopine, CPA spitball for Eeyore and Nurse Kathi: retired in Orlando, both 65, and they swear they've never heard this one on the show before: is a full Roth conversion strategy the way to go, or is there a point where y
He Has $10M and Can't Spend It. Here's Why. - 594
Schedule a Free Financial Assessment with an experienced professional:https://bit.ly/YMYWassessCToday on Your Money, Your Wealth® podcast number 594, Joe Anderson, CFP® and Big Al Clopine, CPA spitball retirement planning for high net worth couples: Gary in Pennsylvania is 54 with $10 million, and get this, he still can't decide whether he can walk away or if he needs to grind out a few more years
Roth vs. Traditional 401(k) at $275K Income: What's the Right Move? - 593
Paul and Angela in Florida are 52 and 45. What's the earliest the two of them can walk away from work at the same time, so Paul can spend a whole lot more time in the boat? That’s today on Your Money, Your Wealth podcast number 593. Then the fellas spitball for Mike in Riverside. His mom inherited his dad's IRA at age 84. Can she still roll it into her own? Edward in Illinois is watching his bond
We Reverse-Engineered Their $6.5M Retirement. Here's What We Found - 592
Schedule a Free Financial Assessment with an experienced professional:https://purefinancial.com/lp/free-assessment/?utm_source=captivate&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=free-assessment&utm_content=ymyw-pod-ep592-description-free-assessmentMichael, K & J, and Tracy all need retirement spitballs and Roth conversion plans, but they didn't share one of the most important numbers in ret
Roth Conversions and RMDs: Are You Ready to Retire? - 591
Schedule a Free Financial Assessment with an experienced professional:https://purefinancial.com/lp/free-assessment/?utm_source=captivate&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=free-assessment&utm_content=ymyw-pod-ep591-description-free-assessmentB and S in Maryland are in their mid-40s with $425,000 and a couple of rental properties. Can they retire early at 62? Vee in Oregon came to the US a
Got a Pre-Tax Fortune? Nobody Warns You About the Retirement Tax Bomb - 590
Schedule a Free Financial Assessment with an experienced professional:https://bit.ly/YMYWassessCToday on Your Money, Your Wealth® podcast 590, Joe Anderson, CFP® and Big Al Clopine, CPA spitball for people with a small fortune sitting in pre-tax accounts turning into a tax bomb. We’ll find out how Roth conversions and careful tax liability management can optimize their retirement income strategy.
Retirement Margin Loans: Is Buy, Borrow, Die Worth the Risk? - 589
Schedule a Free Financial Assessment with an experienced professional:https://bit.ly/YMYWassessCThe margin loan debate continues today on Your Money, Your Wealth® podcast number 589. Jack and Jill recently moved from the UAE to Australia and want a sanity check on using margin loans (AKA pledge loans) to build and live off their portfolio. Joe and Big Al spitball whether borrowing against stocks a
$500K Income, $900K Saved: Will FIRE at 55 Work? - 588
Schedule a Free Financial Assessment with an experienced professional:https://bit.ly/YMYWassessCJoe Anderson, CFP® and Big Al Clopine, CPA spitball for three people planning for early retirement and wondering, can I really pull this off? How much risk can you take, and how much do you really need to? That’s today on Your Money, Your Wealth® podcast 588. Dr. Kickass Seabass and his wife are both 41
Roth Conversions vs. RMDs: Which Tax Bill Hurts More? - 587
Financial Assessment (Meet with an experienced professional):https://bit.ly/YMYWassessC11 rapid-fire spitballs today from Joe Anderson, CFP®, and Big Al Clopine, CPA, on Your Money, Your Wealth® podcast number 587, on everything from Roth conversions and RMDs to whether a guy named Wayne can finally treat himself to a seventy-five-thousand-dollar Audi. Aaron in Syracuse just hit a million bucks in
Roth Conversions: When to Pay Taxes NOW - 586
Schedule a free financial assessment with an experienced professional at Pure Financial Advsiors: https://purefinancial.com/lp/free-assessment/?utm_source=captivate&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=free-assessment&utm_content=ymyw-pod-ep586-description-free-assessment“Walter and Skyler” in Iowa ask if they’re on track to retire early, or if they’re just "cooking up overconfidence?" And
Don't Overcomplicate Retirement: Margin Loans, Whole Life, Roth Mistakes - 585
Financial Assessment (Meet with an experienced professional):https://bit.ly/YMYWassessCFree Financial Resources in This Episode: https://bit.ly/ymyw-585 (full show notes & episode transcript)Today on Your Money, Your Wealth® podcast number 585, Joe and Big Al spitball for folks who are already winning and thinking about getting fancy with it. Reno in Oregon is 50, and his pension is so big he'
These Tax Strategies Let You Spend More in Retirement - 584
Schedule a Free Financial Assessment with an experienced professional:https://bit.ly/YMYWassessCHeidi from the Space Coast of Florida found a money-saving tidbit in a past episode that completely changed how she thinks about her financial advisor's fee. Joe Anderson, CFP® and Big Al Clopine, CPA expand on the strategy, today on Your Money, Your Wealth® podcast number 584. Laverne and Shirley have
$1.6M in One Stock? Here's How to Get Out Without Getting Crushed - 583
Schedule a Free Financial Assessment with an experienced professional:https://bit.ly/YMYWassessCJoe Anderson, CFP® and Big Al Clopine, CPA spitball for people sitting on life-changing gains who are just one wrong move away from handing a third of it to the IRS. How should they diversify their concentrated stock positions? That’s today on Your Money, Your Wealth podcast number 583. First up, Walter
Safe Withdrawal Rate Debate: How Much Can You REALLY Spend in Early Retirement? - 582
Schedule a Free Financial Assessment with an experienced professional:https://bit.ly/YMYWassessCToday on Your Money, Your Wealth® podcast number 582, Joe Anderson, CFP® and Big Al Clopine, CPA address something a not-insignificant portion of this audience has been complaining about for years: their so-called 'absurdly conservative' safe withdrawal rates for early retirement. Rand and Elayne from O
Roth Conversions, Pension Lump Sums & Annuities: Is Bigger Always Better? - 581
Schedule a Free Financial Assessment with an experienced professional:https://bit.ly/YMYWassessCJune in Washington State is 62 with $2.5 million saved and a $350,000 pension on the table. Should she take the lump sum or the monthly check for life? Spoiler alert: there's a 3-to-1 vote in the studio, and Big Al is the one, today on Your Money, Your Wealth® podcast number 581 with Joe Anderson, CFP®,
You Have Enough to Retire Before 60. Why Are You Still Working? - 580
Schedule a Free Financial Assessment with an experienced professional:https://bit.ly/YMYWassessCToday on Your Money, Your Wealth® podcast number 580, Joe Anderson, CFP®, and Big Al Clopine, CPA, are spitballing for some folks who've done the work, hit the numbers, but aren’t sure if they can really walk away yet. Martha in DC is 44 and says her soul is being sucked out of her body by her employer.
Too Much 401k Money? The $3M Roth Conversion Problem - 579
Saving into Roth instead of traditional accounts to bring down required minimum distributions in retirement, and whether retiring early is in the cards: that's today on Your Money, Your Wealth® podcast 579 with Joe Anderson, CFP®, and Big Al Clopine, CPA. Brian in New York and "Todd and Margo" in Utah each have over $3 million in their pre-tax accounts. What should their Roth conversion strategies
The Retirement Question Every Couple Asks: Can We Afford It? - 578
"Chase and Ryder" are 56 and 55 with $5 million saved and huge pensions the day they retire. So why are they so nervous about pulling the trigger? That's today on Your Money, Your Wealth® podcast number 578 with Joe Anderson, CFP® and Big Al Clopine, CPA. "Andy and April" are 46 with $2.4 million saved and 10 years until they want to retire. Can they get there, and do they need a trust? "Burt and
This Early Retirement Strategy Could Be a Huge Mistake - 577
Joe Anderson, CFP® and Big Al Clopine, CPA spitball on whether a popular early retirement strategy could actually blow up your financial plan, today on Your Money, Your Wealth® podcast number 577. Red and Kitty from Wisconsin are burned out at 40 and wonder if retiring at 45 using the 72(t) tax election to take substantially equal periodic payments, or SEPP, is a smart bridge strategy. Jiminy Bill
When Roth Conversions Don't Make Sense (And When They're a No-Brainer) - 576
Are Roth conversions worth it? We'll find out, today on Your Money, Your Wealth® podcast number 576. TJ in PA is gonna have huge capital gains. Joe and Big Al spitball on whether it's worth it for him to convert. Rebels Without a Gauze in New England are over 70. Is it too late for them to convert? How much should Biking Barnsey convert from his tax-deferred accounts to Roth each year, and are the
Die With Zero: Are You Giving Your Kids Too Much? - 575
Joe Anderson, CFP® and Big Al Clopine, CPA spitball on how to build your own retirement AND support your kids financially, today on Your Money, Your Wealth® podcast number 575. "Lloyd and Diane" in Montgomery County are 50 with $8.4 million. Can they retire early and still be generous with their kids? E and T in Missouri are 34 and 31 with $255K, and hopefully some big inheritances in the future.
When Should You Take Social Security? (Don't Screw This Up) - 574
Joe Anderson, CFP® and Big Al Clopine, CPA focus on Social Security claiming strategies as part of the retirement spitballs, today on Your Money, Your Wealth® podcast number 574. Bijou Plutus and her husband in Massachusetts are 62 and 64 with about a million dollars. Can she retire at 65, and should he claim Social Security early? Dr. Jekyll and Mrs. Hyde in the Twin Cities have about the same at
Could You Retire Tomorrow If You Had To? - 573
Juan and Mary in Brooklyn are 49 and 48 with $2.2 million saved. Can Juan afford to retire early, or just walk away if he gets fired? And if they get divorced, yikes - but does the math still work? That's today on Your Money, Your Wealth® podcast number 573. But first, "Reuben Sailing Shoes" is 68, single, retired, and has $1.6 million saved, but he's never had a budget in his life. How much can h
Could You Lose Half Your Retirement Income to Taxes? - 572
"Carl and Jane" have eight million bucks, and their advisor is suggesting a 130/30 long-short investing strategy. Joe Anderson, CFP® and Big Al Clopine, CPA spitball on whether this is a smart tax move or unnecessary complexity - and whether they would do it themselves, today on Your Money, Your Wealth® podcast number 572. Plus, Tyrone and Tova think they may never even need their retirement accou
Retire Early in Your 40s or 50s: Green Light or Reality Check? - 571
If you plan to punch the clock for the final time decades before "standard" retirement age, you need a financial strategy that goes beyond just saving. Joe Anderson, CFP® and Big Al Clopine, CPA spitball five different early retirement plans to see whose numbers are tight and who is ready to go for it, today on Your Money, Your Wealth® podcast 571. George in South Carolina wants to retire in 8 yea
Retirement Planning for Aging Parents - and Can You Retire Early? - 570
Joe and Big Al spitball two sides of the retirement equation, today on Your Money, Your Wealth® podcast number 570. Daniel in Texas is 40 and worrying about how to support Mom and Dad if their money runs out. Can he build some kind of financial safety net for them without ruining his own retirement? Jemma's 82-year-old mom is drawing down her portfolio. Is locking in guaranteed income with an annu
Retirement Changes at These 5 Major Financial Crossroads - 569
When you're standing at a major financial crossroads, the timing of your decisions can mean the difference between success and failure. Joe Anderson, CFP® and Big Al Clopine, CPA spitball on the "when" of five retirement decisions, today on Your Money, Your Wealth podcast number 569. We'll kick things off with a whale of an email: "Fine and Dandy" is 42 years old with a multimillion dollar private
Tax-Smart Investing at Every Age: Starting Young or Catching Up - 568
John Q. Taxpayer is in the home stretch of his career, looking for the best way to catch-up and build his tax-free bucket. Meanwhile, a pair of young financial nerds in Omaha are already strong savers, but they're wondering whether a simple "VOO for life" strategy is enough to help them reach multimillionaire status in retirement. Also, Janine retired unexpectedly. Can her remaining savings suppor
Rising Costs and Retirement Unknowns? Here's What to Do - 567
Should Al and Peggy in Illinois keep hammering pre-tax retirement savings or should they pivot to post-tax Roth for better tax diversification? Which pension option is best for their early retirement plans? Long-term care insurance premiums are going up endlessly for Eloise in Connecticut. Is she walking into an insurance industry trap? How do Eric and Tami in Baton Rouge help their kids with coll
High Net Worth Pre-Retirees Share Their Biggest Fear (Here's How to Calm It) - 566
"Mr and Mrs Smith" have nearly $850,000 saved at age 43, but they're very concerned about retirement. "Lucy and Desi" are 58 and 64 with nearly $7 million saved, but they still lie awake wondering if it's enough for their high-expense life. "Tony and Carmela" are in a similar boat with millions saved at 61 and 59, but they're worried their asset allocation won't get them through their retirement.
48 and Worried About Early Retirement? This Changes the Math - 565
Lucky Lou is 48, burned out and wants to punch at 50. How should he bridge the gap before pensions and Social Security? Joe Anderson, CFP®, and Big Al Clopine, CPA walk through the Rule of 55, 72(t)s, and the psychological reality of spending down a taxable account, today on Your Money, Your Wealth® podcast number 565. Alexei and Anna are high earners in their mid-20s who want to save aggressively
Social Security Timing and When Family Wrecks Retirement - 564
Hana's mom is 92. Mom's husband is 74, and after years of trying to help a family member, nearly a million dollars is gone. How do they stop the bleeding before it's too late, and how much can they spend each year from what's left? That's today on Your Money, Your Wealth® podcast number 564 with Joe Anderson, CFP® and Big Al Clopine, CPA. Plus, "Peter and Gwen" from Virginia have a pension, Roths,
How to Beat the "Fire Hydrant" of Future Taxes: YMYW Best of 2025 - 563
YMYW friends, welcome to 2026. What actually mattered most to you in 2025? It turns out to be tax-free gains on investments, retirement timing, and claiming Social Security. Today on Your Money, Your Wealth® podcast number 563, Joe Anderson, CFP® and Big Al Clopine, CPA break down the smartest tax moves, the biggest Roth mistakes to avoid, and how real people solve real retirement problems - with
I'm 42 and Burned Out with $2.25M. Can I Retire Early from My Toxic Job? - 562
Today on Your Money, Your Wealth podcast 562 (an encore of episode 513), Joe Anderson, CFP® and Big Al Clopine, CPA spitball for YMYW listeners in their 40s who are ready to call it quits at work, become financially independent, and retire early. Can they afford to do it? Peter and Joanna want to retire in the next two years. Burned Out and Ready to Retire wants out of his toxic office. If Marylan
Retirement Finances Whether You're Married, Separated, or Single - 561
Financially speaking, should Old Bear in Northern Kentucky marry his Honey? How should Sebastian in Virginia navigate the financial aspects of his separation? Plus, Famous Missourians want to know, how much is enough for retirement and when can you take your foot off the gas? Can Paul with the Big Wallet Bridge the long gap between retiring and claiming Social Security benefits? And can Aspiring A
The Truth About High Income Investments and Retirement Safety - 560
Today on Your Money, Your Wealth® podcast 560, Joe Anderson, CFP® and Big Al Clopine, CPA spitball business development company (BDC) funds for Edward in Illinois before diving into buckets of cash, T-bills, decumulation, and Roth conversion timing for Pebbles and Bam Bam. Plus, the fellas help 34 year old Keith in Connecticut figure out if he's actually on track, whether he's taking too much risk
Will Buying Your Dream Home Ruin Early Retirement? - 559
Today on Your Money, Your Wealth® podcast 559 with Joe Anderson, CFP®, and Big Al Clopine, CPA, David wants to know if he and his wife (ages 47 and 53) are actually on track for retirement - without realizing they're creeping toward that .01% crowd that David swears he is not part of. Mia and Jessie from Seattle want to retire and still pick up a dream lake house with a combined ten million dollar
Roth IRA vs. Traditional IRA: Which is Better for Retirement Savings? - 558
McDreamy Dempsey wants to know if converting to Roth in the 37% tax bracket ever makes sense, and Gary in La Crosse warns Joe Anderson, CFP® and Big Al Clopine, CPA about Roth conversion "lag" and when it DOESN'T make sense to convert, today on Your Money, Your Wealth® podcast 558. Plus, Wine Guy and Gal in Northern California want a spitball on whether they should protect their ACA subsidies or k
UGMA, 529, HSA, RMD, and Inherited IRA Tax Bombs Defused - 557
Joe Anderson, CFP® and Big Al Clopine, CPA are defusing some confusing tax time bombs today on Your Money, Your Wealth® podcast number 557. George in Torrance wants to know the smartest way to deal with the giant UGMA account set up by his kids' grandparents. Suzanne in Detroit has a twist on the new 529 plan to Roth rollover rule. Homer and Marge need a spitball on whether they can build huge 529
Roth Conversions vs. 0% Capital Gains Rate: a Retirement Tax Trap? - 556
Joe Anderson, CFP® and Big Al Clopine, CPA spitball Roth conversions, capital gains, and retirement readiness from every angle, today on Your Money, Your Wealth® podcast number 556. Joe Momma from Virginia wants to know if his zero percent capital-gains strategy is too good to be true, if he can trust his advisor, and if it's finally time to start converting to Roth. David in Poway is already conv
Retiring Before Social Security? Consider These Portfolio Changes - 555
Joe Anderson, CFP® and Big Al Clopine, CPA spitball withdrawal strategies, Roth conversion timing, and saving priorities for every stage of life, today on Your Money, Your Wealth® podcast number 555. Christine just retired at 59 and wants the smartest way to draw income before Social Security, without letting taxes take a third of it. Prickly Richard and Margarita Maggie have a plan to "pull ahead
Change of Roth Plans for the New Senior Tax Bonus? Tax-Loss Wins? - 554
Should the new temporary senior tax deduction change your Roth conversion strategy? Joe and Big Al spitball for Chris in Maple Grove, Minnesota, who wonders whether to keep converting to Roth now that the $6,000 Senior Bonus deduction phases out with higher income, today on Your Money, Your Wealth® podcast 554 with Joe Anderson, CFP®, and Big Al Clopine, CPA. Teri from Salt Lake City's broker has
Should You Convert to Roth Before or After You Retire? - 553
Joe Anderson, CFP® and Big Al Clopine, CPA tackle one of the trickiest timing questions in retirement planning, today on Your Money, Your Wealth podcast number 553: when should you convert to Roth, while you're still earning, or after retirement? First, James from Texas wonders if it's worth maxing out his high-fee 457 plan, or if he's better off investing in a low-cost brokerage account. Full-tim
Don't Let Money Anxiety Ruin Your Retirement - 552
Joe Anderson, CFP® and Big Al Clopine, CPA tackle the fears that mess with even the best-laid financial plans, today on Your Money, Your Wealth® podcast 552. Big Wallet Barbie and Ken from the Midwest have saved millions, but Barbie's still worried about retiring early, buying a new house, and converting to Roth. Is she second-guessing her plans? The fellas spitball for Dan from Florida, who's fly
Where Should You Take Retirement Money First If You've Saved $2M? - 551
We're playing "which comes first" today on Your Money, Your Wealth® podcast number 551 with Joe Anderson, CFP® and Big Al Clopine, CPA. "Retired G-Man and Nurse Ratched" from Pennsylvania have saved $2 million. Should they withdraw money first from their IRA or their taxable accounts in retirement? "Mike and Carol in Florida" want to know when and how much to convert to Roth, but they're also sitt
Is Your Roth Conversion Timing All Wrong? (Financial Blunders) - 550
Joe and Big Al spitball on how to avoid screwing up the timing of your Roth conversions, today on Your Money, Your Wealth® podcast number 550. Barrie from New York is 62 and single, and she's been diligently converting pre-tax money each year for lifetime tax-free Roth growth. Should she continue after she retires next year? "Jerry and Elaine" want to retire in the next six years and still leave t
Can You Retire on $6 Million? Here's What It Looks Like - 549
Today on Your Money, Your Wealth® podcast number 549 with Joe Anderson, CFP® and Big Al Clopine, CPA, a comment on one of our YouTube videos sparks a dialogue between Joe and Big Al on the 4% rule vs. the "guardrails" withdrawal strategy. Joe at the Beach is managing his ~$6M portfolio on his own, but wants the fellas' take on his upper limit for yearly spending, so he can keep drinking his old-fa
Is Financial Software Giving You False Retirement Confidence? - 548
Wendy and Joe in Colorado ran the numbers, and their financial planning software says they'll have over $10 million when they pass. Wendy's wondering if they should continue converting to Roth while working, despite their high tax bracket. But has the software lulled them into a false sense of security? That's today on Your Money, Your Wealth® podcast number 548 with Joe Anderson, CFP® and Big Al
Roth Conversions: When to Make 'Em, When to Take 'Em - 547
A YMYW listener from Missouri and his wife are retired at 69 and 67, with less than $2 million dollars. Should they continue converting retirement savings to Roth for the tax-free growth? What should they do about long term care insurance? More importantly, is our listener's name (Cousy) pronounced "Cuzzy" or "Koozy"? Speaking of Roth conversions, must "Peggy Hill" wait five years to withdraw her
How to Accomplish Your Retirement Goals - Even Without a Fat Wallet - 546
We heard your feedback, and today on Your Money, Your Wealth® podcast number 546, Joe Anderson, CFP® and Big Al Clopine, CPA are spitballing retirement for the not-so-fat wallets: Joe and Masako in Washington state and Reid in Indiana have less than a million saved. Can they still accomplish their retirement goals in their 60s? Mr Buckeye in Ohio and Old Macdonald in Maine have less than a million
Your Roth Conversion Strategy Needs This Update - 545
One Big Beautiful Bill is now law. How does it impact your Roth conversion strategies and other financial decisions? Plus, you may have seen or heard other advisors talking about their strategies for getting your retirement savings into tax-free Roth accounts. How are these different from a good ol' Roth conversion, and what do Joe and Big Al think of them? Find out today on Your Money, Your Wealt
Your Retirement Tax Strategy is Probably Unbalanced - 544
You've heard Joe and Big Al talk about the benefits of tax diversification in retirement. That is, having money in tax-deferred, tax-free, and taxable accounts. But what should you do if this tax triangle of yours is lopsided? Joe and our special guest co-host, Marc Horner, CFP®, spitball on this quandary for Rae and Roy in Central California, today on Your Money, Your Wealth® podcast number 544.
Can You Retire at Age 57 and Spend Big? - 543
Is it possible, common even, to spend a lot early in retirement to celebrate your financial freedom? How do Roth conversions and withdrawals work if you do plan to call it quits around age 57, and spend big early on? Should you convert retirement funds to tax-free Roth after you stop working? Joe Anderson CFP® and our special guest co-host, Marc Horner, CFP® spitball on these topics for "Beavis an
Are You Cutting Retirement Too Close? - 542
"Rubble and Skye" in Minnesota want to spend $65,000 a year in retirement, and they'll have $67K in annual fixed income. Are they cutting it too close? "Atouk and Tala" in New Jersey will have retirement money, Social Security, and "Lumpy," their lump sum pension - will they be okay? We'll find out today on Your Money, Your Wealth® podcast number 542 with Joe Anderson, CFP® and Big Al Clopine, CPA
Are These Millennials Saving Enough to Retire Before 60? - 541
Pam and Jim in Phoenix are 38 and 41 and want to retire at 59 and 62. Matt and his wife in Pennsylvania are both 39 and want to retire at 57. Are these millennials on the right financial path, or have they brunched and YOLO'd away their retirement dreams? That's today on Your Money, Your Wealth® podcast number 541 with Joe Anderson, CFP® and Big Al Clopine, CPA. Plus, do Roth conversions make sens
Retire Early and Spend More Without Running Out of Money - 540
Can Beth and Rip retire early, spend more, and Die with Zero? When should they claim Social Security? Forrest and Jenny have 10 rental properties at age 31. Can they retire at age 50? (And what makes you a real estate professional from a tax perspective?) Plus, what are the rules for spousal IRA contributions and required minimum distributions? Memphis wants to know. Joe Anderson, CFP® and Big Al
Where to Invest for Pre-Retirement and a GO-GO Lifestyle? - 539
Roger in Canton, Ohio, is burnt out. Can he and his wife Jane pre-retire next year in their mid-50s with $2.8 million? Joe and Big Al spitball on whether they'll still have enough money for their Go-Go years, Joe's favorite, today on Your Money, Your Wealth® podcast number 539. Roger also has an employee stock purchase plan. For the best asset location strategy, should he max out the ESPP at a 15%
How Much Money Do You Need to Retire in 2026? - 538
George and Weezy in the land of Lincoln will have deferred compensation and wonder if they can retire in mid-2026, or even earlier. Will they have enough? Should Jenn in Ohio move with work, take a break, or just retire? She asks Joe Anderson, CFP® and Big Al Clopine, CPA for a brutally honest spitball, today on Your Money, Your Wealth® podcast 538. Plus, Seth isn't sure if he can afford to stay r
Late Start on Roth Savings? Here's What to Prioritize - 537
You've got your tax-free Roth accounts and your tax-deferred retirement accounts. Should you invest the same way in each? Kevin in Denver wants to know. Jim and Pam in Orange County are eligible for combat zone tax exclusions (CZTE). How else can they maximize their tax-free retirement strategy? Susan Brandeis, CFP® spitballs with Big Al Clopine, CPA, today on Your Money, Your Wealth® podcast numb
Social Security Rules Changed: Your Pension Doesn't Matter Anymore - 536
If your pension impacted your ability to collect Social Security benefits, 2025 is a very good year for you and your spouse. The Windfall Elimination Provision and the Government Pension Offset are no more, and you're now eligible for your full Social Security benefits AND your pension! Today on a quick Your Money, Your Wealth® podcast number 536, while Joe hangs in the North Star State, Big Al Cl
When Do Roth Conversions STOP Making Sense? - 535
Ryan in Texas is in the 32% tax bracket. Where should he save for retirement so he'll be in a lower bracket? Should Weronika in Texas pay the taxes now to convert to Roth for lifetime tax-free growth in the future, even though she's in the 37% tax bracket? And Jerry in Phoenix wonders if there is a point where Joe would come to the conclusion that Roth conversions no longer make sense? Stay tuned
Roth Conversions vs. IRMAA, Using Retirement Funds to Pay the Mortgage, Retirement Spending Plan - 534
Ralph and Alice in Monument, Colorado have $4.6 million dollars saved at ages 63 and 58. Should they do Roth conversions? How do they avoid IRMAA? Mary Jo in Escondido, California wonders if she should use her 403(b) money to pay off her mortgage. And Lucas plans to spend from his brokerage, then his 401(k), then his Social Security and pension when he retires in 20 years. What do Joe and Big Al t
Early Withdrawals, Tech Stocks vs. International, Annuities, ESOP and NUA - 533
Before she retires next month at age 52, Rowan in Georgia wonders how to maximize growth in her IRA, which will be funded with 72(t) early retirement withdrawals. What do Joe Anderson, CFP® and Big Al Clopine, CPA think of her substantially equal periodic payment plan? And how should she allocate it? Michael in Virginia isn't interested in any international investments and is instead invested in s
"The Payoff is Huge": Jonathan Clements' Final Initiative to Empower Lifelong Savers - 532
Imagine being told you only have 12 months to live. What would you do with your time? Today on Your Money, Your Wealth podcast number 532, Big Al Clopine, CPA and Executive Producer Andi Last are thrilled to welcome Jonathan Clements back for his fourth appearance. For thirty years, Jonathan has been known for his personal finance writing: in his column "Getting Going," which appeared in the Wall
Tariffs Killed My Portfolio. Should I Claim Social Security Early? - 531
Tariffs killed Carl's investment portfolio and left him wondering if he should claim Social Security early. Joe Anderson, CFP® and Big Al Clopine, CPA spitball for him today on Your Money, Your Wealth® podcast number 531. Kelly and Steve in Pennsylvania ask for a three-fer spitball - when to claim their Social Security, whether they should contribute to Roth or convert to Roth for that lifetime ta
Portfolio Drift, Avoiding Capital Gains, and a $6M Retirement - 530
What should you do when the asset allocation of your retirement portfolio drifts? Joe Anderson, CFP® and Big Al Clopine, CPA spitball on rebalancing for DJ in St. Louis, today on Your Money, Your Wealth® podcast number 530. Plus, Coach Dobber in Minnesota is curious about municipal bonds in a brokerage account, and Daniel in Stevensville, Michigan needs details on emergency funds. Also, can Tim th
When to HOLD OFF on Doing Roth Conversions - 529
John in Boston is in the 32% tax bracket. Should he do Roth conversions? Flight Deck Dad and Irish Girl in Pensacola have a lot of tax-free pension income. Should they do Roth conversions? Bert and Ernie in New Jersey wonder if they should convert to Roth or take advantage of zero percent capital gains tax rates. Joe Anderson, CFP® and Big Al Clopine, CPA spitball for all of them today on Your Mon
Retirement Savings: When to Take Your Foot Off the Gas - 528
You've been jamming money into your retirement accounts for years now. When is it okay to slow down? Joe Anderson, CFP®® and Big Al Clopine, CPA spitball for Ron and Veronica in Indiana today on Your Money, Your Wealth® podcast 528. Plus, how can Scott in Illinois bridge the gap from age 55 to retirement income at 57? How should Big Juan in Texas pay for college? Should he convert his TSP to Roth?
Taxable Income, Dividends, Roth & SMA: What's Missing in Your Early Retirement? - 527
What are the pros and cons if Chip uses the money in his taxable brokerage account for early retirement income? Jack and Sally ask Joe and Big Al to spitball on whether they can retire around age 55 or 60, and whether they should max out their Roth or convert to Roth, today on Your Money, Your Wealth® podcast 527 with Joe Anderson, CFP®, and Big Al Clopine, CPA. Plus, April and Andy ask the fellas
Roth IRA is "The Greatest Account Ever" Per Ed Slott. But Why? - 526
Just about every week here on YMYW, Joe and Big Al talk about converting your retirement savings to Roth accounts. But why? What's the big deal? Today the "IRA guru" Ed Slott, CPA returns to Your Money, Your Wealth® in podcast number 526 with Joe Anderson, CFP® and Big Al Clopine, CPA to tell us why he calls the Roth IRA "the greatest account ever created." (Here's a hint: it's all about having ta
Risks Threaten Retirement. Rewire Your Plans - 525
Tariffs, inflation, healthcare costs... how do you shift from saving to spending in retirement while managing risks like these? Jamie Hopkins is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional, an attorney, and best-selling author of Find Your Freedom and Rewirement: Rewiring the Way You Think About Retirement. He returns to the show today on Your Money, Your Wealth® podcast 525 with Joe Anderson, CFP
Will the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Be Extended? - 524
Will your taxes go up? Stay the same? Go down, even? Jeffrey Levine is Chief Planning Officer at Focus Partners, Professor of Practice in Taxation at the American College of Financial Services, and the Lead Financial Planning Nerd at Kitces.com. In other words, he's one of the savviest tax minds in the country. Jeff returns to the show today on Your Money, Your Wealth® podcast number 524 with Joe
